The 10 best swords and sandals movies ever made

A historical and timeless subgenre of cinema also known as peplum, swords and sandals films often span historical or mythological epics. From classic genre offerings from Hollywood's Golden Age like Spartacus and Ben-Hur for modern contemporaries in the line of Gladiator and Troythis doesn't seem like a brand of film that's going anywhere anytime soon. It's a status quo underlined by the recent success of 2024 Gladiator II, Ridley Scott's mega-hit sequel that will hopefully serve as a catalyst for similar future offerings in the genre.

While the subgenre is typically dominated by films set in Ancient Rome or films about Greek mythology, this is decidedly not a prerequisite to consider. As cinema has modernized, notable swords and sandals offerings have expanded to encompass older settings, with some films even channeling elements from other genres, such as fantasy, to great success. An indispensable branch of cinematic popular culture at this stage of the game, several of the best swords and sandals movies ever made have achieved the status of some of the best films of all time.

10

Immortals (2011)

Directed by Tarsem Singh Dhandwar

Led by former star of The wizardHenry Cavill, in one of his first career roles, 2011 Immortals mixes the Greek myth of Theseus and the Minotaur with that of the Titanomachy; the epic war that finally saw the new generation of Olympians triumph over the older Titans for domination of the universe. Director Tarsem Singh Dhandwar's take on the mythos received surprisingly mixed reviews, with some critics arguing that the film emphasized style over substance.

However, given the film's litany of jaw-dropping action sequences and a cast's memorable performances, this seems like an extremely harsh criticism of one of the most chaotically entertaining swords and sandals films ever made. If anything, Immortals' Stunning visuals and effects only serve to elevate the quality of what is a first-class, if not the most refined, viewing experience.

9

Clash of the Titans (1981)

Directed by Desmond Davis

The latest film to feature the work of renowned stop-motion visual effects artist Ray Harryhausen 1981 Clash of the Titans is one of the premier swords-and-sandals offerings cinema has to offer. Loosely based on the Greek myth of the demigod Perseus, the Harry Hamlin-led film depicting the hero's encounters with Medusa and the Kraken inspired a commercially successful remake in 2010. Clash of the Titans.

However, unlike the critically panned Sam Worthington-led offering, the 1981 original received positive reviews and is considered a groundbreaking number for the subgenre. A timeless classic, Clash of the Titans It has all the attributes that make up a great sword and sandals image. Desmond Davis' film is full of dashing heroes and grandiose duels to the death, a state of affairs that is complemented by the creative wild card provided by the film's more fantastical elements.

8

Conan the Barbarian (1982)

Directed by John Milius

The film that served as a highlight for the future governor of California, 1982 Conan the Barbarian is universally seen as one of the Predator Star in Arnold Schwarzenegger's best films. Despite receiving only average reviews the cult classic film is still considered a seminal swords and sandals offering, chronicling the eponymous character's brutal mission to exact revenge on those responsible for the murder of his parents.

Full of one-liners and high-octane action sequences normally associated with Schwarzenegger films, Conan the Barbarian the graphic depiction of violence may be almost gratuitous, but it still makes for a rip-roaring viewing experience. Conan is undoubtedly the role Schwarzenegger was born to play, with the Austrian's foreign accent and formidable physique serving to lend authenticity to one of the subgenre's most memorable characters.

7

Gladiator II (2024)

Directed by Ridley Scott

Ridley Scott Gladiator II had its fair share of skeptics before release; an understandable situation, given the fact that the original Gladiator had been released more than two decades ago and ended with the death of its main character in Russell Crowe's Maximus. The highly anticipated sequel saw Paul Mescal take on the role of Maximus' son Lucius, thrown into a desperate fight for survival as a gladiator while caught in a plot to overthrow the despotic twin emperors of Rome.

While it doesn't come close to the dizzying heights of the original, Gladiator II serves as a worthy sequel to the greatest swords and sandals film of all time; drawing parallels with names like Blade Runner 2049 and Top Gun: Maverick for cinema's best film sequels released more than a decade after the original. Boasting some spectacular action sequences and an excellent supporting bow from Denzel Washington that's sure to put him in the Oscar conversation, Gladiator II is an excellent, if slightly unadventurous, peplum film that pays respectful homage to the iconic original.

6

Jason and the Argonauts (1963)

Directed by Don Chaffey

Based on the Greek myth of the hero Jason and his search for the Golden Fleece, 1963 Jason and the Argonauts chronicles the perilous journey taken by the titular characters on their way in search of the legendary sheepskin and the fantastic adventures they encounter along the way. The film bombed at the box office upon release, but received critical acclaim and subsequently achieved classic status.

A triumphant adventure that continues to this day, Jason and the Argonauts It's a rip-roaring experience that never fails to entertain. The timeless film leverages a variety of stunning visuals from legendary cinematic special effects artist Ray Harryhausen to bring the film's mythological elements to life, with the unforgettable fight sequence between Jason and the skeleton warriors during the film's final act widely regarded as a of the most iconic. movie scenes of all time.

5

300 (2007)

Directed by Zack Snyder

A shameless crowd-pleaser of the highest caliber, Zack Snyder's 300 is a heavily embellished version of the Battle of Thermopylae. The 2007 historical epic portrays the efforts of 300 Spartan warriors to repel a massive Persian invasion force, an army more than 1000 times its size. Led by Gerard Butler in the lead role of the Spartan king, Leonidas, Snyder's film has achieved cult classic status despite boasting just a 61% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

A gloriously violent spectacle of stylized blood and heart-pounding action sequences set against the backdrop of one of the best last stands in cinematic history, 300 it's relentlessly silly fun from start to finish. It's Snyder at his most unabashedly Snyder, filled with visually arresting images and instantly quotable one-liners. The film's heavy emphasis on macho elements and slow motion can feel cheesy and clunky at times, but 300 never gives up in terms of totally unbridled entertainment,

4

Troy (2004)

Directed by Wolfgang Peterson

Wolfgang Peterson's attempt at a historical war loosely based on the work of Homer Iliad, Troy and an epic retelling of the battle between the Greeks and Trojans for the titular city. Boasting a star-studded cast, the 2004 film features some awe-inspiring battle sequences to complement an electrifying performance from Brad Pitt in one of his best war films as the preternaturally gifted swordsman and brooding Greek warrior, Achilles.

Troy It definitely takes some liberties with the Homeric canon and historical accuracy in general, but this doesn't prove too detrimental in terms of enjoyment for the film's audience. Aided by a brutally glorious depiction of war and some superb performances from the likes of Eric Bana, Diane Kruger and Brian Cox, Troy Dramatic shortcomings are easy to overlook in the context of its status as a standout swords-and-sandals offering.

3

Spartacus (1960)

Directed by Stanley Kubrick

Legendary filmmaker Stanley Kubrick's fifth film, 1960s Spartacus is widely regarded as one of the greatest subgenre releases of all time. Winning four Oscars out of six nominations, the film chronicles the rise and fall of an epic slave revolt against the Roman Empire led by the titular character, a Thracian slave and gladiator brought to life by Kirk Douglas.

Spartacus is now virtually synonymous with his legendary catchphrase “I am Spartacus!” to symbolize resistance, a quote that has been endlessly imitated and parodied over the years. Praised by experts for its historical accuracy, Kubrick's work is one of the most celebrated and influential films of all time, boasting powerful performances and a stirring premise. Furthermore, the film's spectacular battle sequences are notable, especially considering the time in which it was released and Kubrick's relative inexperience as a director.

2

Ben-Hur (1959)

Directed by William Wyler

Starring Charlton Heston as the titular character, 1959 Ben-Hur is a seminal piece of cinema from Hollywood's Golden Age, as well as one of the best swords-and-sandals offerings of all time. An epic story of betrayal and revenge with strong religious tendencies, William Wyler's film tells the story of Judah Ben-Hur a wealthy Jewish prince sold into slavery who becomes a famous charioteer and finally takes revenge on those who wronged him.

Marking the official time of 212 minutes, Ben-Hur It's a long epic, but it's worth staying for every second. The film's epic chariot race was years ahead of its time, serving to elevate the impressive quality of what is already a glorious piece of vintage cinema. Boasting a nuanced and gripping narrative driven by top-notch acting, Wyler's film won a record eleven Academy Awards and remains an awe-inspiring swords-and-sandals triumph to this day.

1

Gladiator (2000)

Directed by Ridley Scott

The best sword and sandal movie ever made, Ridley Scott Gladiator remains the gold standard for the subgenre nearly twenty-five years after its release. Telling the epic story of the gladiator known as “the Spaniard”, Scott's film follows Russell Crowe's Maximus Decimus Meridius. Gladiator can be perfectly summed up by the iconic catchphrase issued by Joaquin Phoenix's Emperor Commodus when faced with his enemy; “The general who became a slave. The slave who became a gladiator. The gladiator who defied an emperor.”

Led by two powerful performances from Crowe and Phoenix that earned them a win and Oscar nomination for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor, respectively, Gladiator is one of the most beloved films of all time, regardless of genre. An endlessly exhilarating revenge story carried by some thrilling action sequences befitting the film's title, cinema has yet to produce a swords-and-sandals offering that can legitimately give Scott's film a run for its money.